Security guard shot as 3 rob Southwest Side clothing store

An unarmed security guard for a clothing boutique on the Southwest Side was shot and killed Friday in a robbery so brazen it shocked retailers who said they're used to crime in the neighborhood.

Howard Long, 22, was near the front of Get M Girlz Apparel, 2547 W. 63rd St., about 12:15 p.m. when three men pushed through the door, police said. One aimed a gun at Long while the other two grabbed merchandise. The gunman paused before firing -- either to intimidate Long or because the gun had jammed, police said.

In the lull, Long grabbed the gunman's shoulders, police said. He was shot once during the struggle, then the gunman fired several more shots at Long before running out of the store with his companions, police said.

Long was pronounced dead on arrival at Advocate Christ Medical Center, said hospital spokeswoman Deborah Song.

Police are reviewing surveillance footage from the store, but no one was in custody late Friday.

Long of the 800 block of North Sacramento Boulevard was a childhood friend of the boutique's owner, Eric Henderson. Long had worked security and odd jobs at the store for about eight months, Henderson said.

Henderson, who had hoped the day after Thanksgiving would be profitable for his store, was on his way there when he got a call about the shooting. When he arrived, he saw Long slumped on the floor.

"Just a horrific sight," Henderson said. "He was just sitting there, you know? Just sitting there."

Henderson's 2-year-old store, which carries brands such as Ecko Unlimited and Sean John, has been broken into three times and robbed once, he said. He recently spoke to employees about what to do during a robbery, which he said he feared as the holidays approached.

One nearby shopkeeper, who declined to give his name, said he was held at gunpoint last week but the robber left after realizing he didn't have any money. Now he locks the doors even during business hours.

People are scared, said Scott Bierod, who works at a nearby grocery store. "There's a lot that happens around here," he said.

Henderson said his friend was a hard worker who loved to laugh and was always willing to work extra hours even if he wasn't asked. He was well-known in the neighborhood for his friendly, chatty nature. On Halloween, he gave out candy to children who walked by the store.

"I'm hurt," Henderson said. "I'm [torn] up inside. You see everything taken away from you in minutes. Your investments and, more importantly, your friend."